Open-Access Colonoscopy is performed without prior consultation with one of our practice physicians.  Open-Access Colonoscopy may be appropriate for healthy patients who need a screening colonoscopy and who would like to avoid the extra time and expense of a consultation.

You may be eligible for Open-Access Colonoscopy if you can answer "YES" to ALL of the following questions

1. Are you "average risk*" for colorectal cancer between age 50 and 80? -OR- Are you "high risk*" for colorectal cancer and between age 40 and 80? 

* "Average risk" means: you have no first degree relatives with colorectal cancer or polyps, and you have no personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease of the colon.

"High risk" means: you have one or more first degree relative(s) with colorectal cancer or polyps (under age 70 at diagnosis), and/or you have a personal history of polyps, and/or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease of the colon.

** Consultation is highly recommended for people with "Very High Risk" for colorectal cancer due to family history of colorectal cancer affecting multiple family members, especially if any cancers are diagnosed under age 50. For these people, consultation is required to determine the proper timing and intervals of colonoscopy.

2. If you are "average risk", was your last colonoscopy 10 years ago or more, or was your flexible sigmoidoscopy 5 years ago or more? You may answer YES if you have never had a colon exam.
3. If you are "high risk", was your last colonoscopy 5 years ago or more? You may answer YES if you have never had a colon exam.
4. Do you consider yourself healthy?

After your appointment is made, you will be contacted with specific instructions to prepare for your colonoscopy.